Buffalo's starters managed just two first downs and 40 net yards in three possessions. Worse yet, they settled for a field goal on their second drive, which began at the Redskins 21 following a fumble recovery.

Instead of looking like the productive offense that helped the team get off to a 5-2 start last season, the Bills on Thursday resembled more the unit that came unraveled in losing eight of its final nine games.

Johnson refused to use limited playing time or first-game jitters as an excuse.

"We're the ones (starters) so we've got to play like ones," Johnson said. "It's only so long before it's going to be Week 1, when we'll be going out there and playing against the Jets. So let's get it going."

NOTES: WR Nelson returned to practice after missing the preseason game and much of the previous 10 days with a sprained right knee. ... DT Spencer Johnson was held out with what Gailey called a minor injury to his left shoulder. ... Gailey said C Eric Wood (coming off season-ending right knee surgery) is targeted to make his preseason debut in two weeks, when the Bills host Pittsburgh.